Haiti Transitional Council Names New Cabinet to Lead a Country Marred by Gangs

Haiti Transitional Council appointed a new Cabinet, the final step in rebuilding a government besieged by gangs.

Key appointments include Carlos Hercules as justice minister and Garry Conille as interior minister.

Haiti faces gang control over 80% of Port-au-Prince and awaits a UN-backed Kenyan police force.

Former PM Ariel Henry resigned amid violent gang attacks, leaving 2,500 casualties and over half a million displaced, AP News reports.

Haiti's new Cabinet includes four women, but critics argue female representation remains insufficient.

Prominent figures like Pascale Solages and Rosy Auguste Ducena emphasize the necessity of women's participation in Haiti's democratic success.

Economic and Security Challenges

Haiti's new Cabinet was announced on Tuesday, addressing the country's deepening crisis.

The Cabinet includes Ketleen Florestal as minister of economy and finance, Antoine Augustin as education minister, and Carlos Hercule as justice minister.

With experience at the World Bank, Florestal will tackle Haiti's severe poverty and high inflation.

Schools in Port-au-Prince remain closed due to gang violence, posing challenges for Augustin, according to Reuters.

Author Michael Deibert notes the relative obscurity of the new ministers, suggesting this could be beneficial.

Dominique Dupuy, now foreign affairs minister, highlights improved female representation, though it remains low.

Haiti's new Cabinet aims to stabilize the country amid escalating gang control and violence.

The Haiti Transitional Council, tasked with appointing a provisional electoral commission, will continue its work until its mandate ends on February 7, 2026.

Prime Minister Garry Conille, also serving as interior minister, brings international experience from his previous role at UNICEF.

The new leadership replaces all ministers from former PM Ariel Henry's Cabinet, signaling a significant shift as Haiti prepares for upcoming elections.

The justice ministry, led by Hercule, faces the daunting task of addressing the paralyzed judicial system and combating powerful Haiti gangs.

Economic and Foreign Affairs

Haiti Transitional Council announced a new government to tackle economic challenges and gang violence.

Princeton-educated Ketleen Florestal, with experience advising multilateral lenders, will lead the finance and planning ministries, Aljazeera noted.

Jean Marc Berthier Antoine will head the defense ministry, overseeing the reinstated army. Dominique Dupuy, Haiti's UNESCO ambassador, will become the minister of foreign affairs and will handle the diaspora.

Antoine Augustin, a university professor and Montana Accord supporter, will manage education and communications ministries.

Prime Minister Garry Conille also acts as interior minister, controlling the police.

Prime Minister Garry Conille met with US Ambassador Dennis Hankins to discuss support for a delayed security force. Haiti faces severe gang violence, exacerbated by economic and political instability.

President Jovenel Moise's 2021 assassination led to former PM Ariel Henry's controversial leadership, halted elections, and eventual resignation.

The new transitional council aims to prepare for free elections.

International efforts, led by the US and involving a Kenyan-led police force, aim to restore security, with 80% of Port-au-Prince under gang control.

The situation remains dire as Haiti contends with natural disasters, food insecurity, and a cholera outbreak.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

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